Public Hearing Held to Consider Labeling Mater Dolorosa Church as a Historic Site

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WGGB) — A public hearing was held in Holyoke tonight to consider whether Mater Dolorosa Church and its surrounding area should be considered a historical district.

The Dioceses closed the church back in 2011 due in part to concerns about its steeple being structurally unsafe.

If the building was deemed a historic site it couldn’t be taken down and it could potentially host Mass again.

But friends of the Mater Dolorosa Church say a historic site would be a way to honor Holyoke’s Polish immigrants and their families as well as their contributions to the city.

“This is not a religious thing, this is a stake, a rational stake, that the city of Holyoke has in making sure this historic building and historic area is preserved,” explains Victor Anop, Chairman of the Friends of Mater Dolorosa Church.

The Historical Commission has agreed to move forward with plans to make the church a historic site, but ultimately the city council will make the decision.

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